In our commitment to provide perspective on jiu-jitsu training from different parts of the globe, we offer this article from one of our friends and fans from Michigan. If you have an experience, write us and include photos or video, you don't have to be a professional writer - the best writing comes from those of experience for those who want it.

On October 1, 2008, seven martial artists from Michigan set out to South Carolina for the Machado Brothers Training camp.Our group

The 2008 Machado Brothers Jiu-Jitsu Training Camp

consisted of 2 blue belts, 3 purple belts and 2 black belts.Our group became known simply as “Michigan”.We were all eager to learn from some of the most accomplished BJJ legends in the sport as well as experience a part of the country that is very different from our own state.

Rolling with the Machados - Pt 2 of 2

A Mid-Western Man’s Road to a Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

BJJ Legends: What was it like training with the Machados back then?

Ryan: Humbling!I had John Machado come out to my school to teach a 2 day seminar and at the end seminar he rolled with all of the students.He had just given me 3 stripes on my blue belt.He told me “Ryan, you have a minute.”He let me attack him and he just defended from the turtle bottom position.Then he said “Ten seconds!” and he started counting down 10.When he hit zero I was tapping!

Rolling with the Machados

Ryan Fiorenzi, Our Featured Black Belt and Owner of East West Martial Arts

A Mid-Western Man’s Road to a Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

Ryan Fiorenzi has accomplished a lot in a short time. The first Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt in Michigan, he has the drive and initiative to train from across the country with the Gracies and Machados to become an instructor affiliated with the Machado School.Ryan’s story and observations are a good example to us of the Jiu-Jitsu experience and challenge outside California. In addition he provides unique observations while rolling and training with the infamous Machado brothers.

BJJ Legends: Ryan, Thanks for meeting with us.Tell us a little bit about yourself:

Ryan:I am a black belt under Rigan and Roger Machado and I started training jiu-jitsu in 1994, just after the UFCs began.Before that I had been training Kung Fu for 7 years, earning a black sash.I opened my school, East West Martial Arts, in 1997.I have been running the school full time for over 10 years now.

Rolling with the Machados - Pt 2 of 2

A Mid-Western Man’s Road to a Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

BJJ Legends: What was it like training with the Machados back then?

Ryan: Humbling!I had John Machado come out to my school to teach a 2 day seminar and at the end seminar he rolled with all of the students.He had just given me 3 stripes on my blue belt.He told me “Ryan, you have a minute.”He let me attack him and he just defended from the turtle bottom position.Then he said “Ten seconds!” and he started counting down 10.When he hit zero I was tapping!

Rolling with the Machados

Ryan Fiorenzi, Our Featured Black Belt and Owner of East West Martial Arts

A Mid-Western Man’s Road to a Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

Ryan Fiorenzi has accomplished a lot in a short time. The first Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt in Michigan, he has the drive and initiative to train from across the country with the Gracies and Machados to become an instructor affiliated with the Machado School.Ryan’s story and observations are a good example to us of the Jiu-Jitsu experience and challenge outside California. In addition he provides unique observations while rolling and training with the infamous Machado brothers.

BJJ Legends: Ryan, Thanks for meeting with us.Tell us a little bit about yourself:

Ryan:I am a black belt under Rigan and Roger Machado and I started training jiu-jitsu in 1994, just after the UFCs began.Before that I had been training Kung Fu for 7 years, earning a black sash.I opened my school, East West Martial Arts, in 1997.I have been running the school full time for over 10 years now.